DETROIT -- The Boston Red Sox are getting Mike Napoli back from the 15-day disabled list on Sunday night and they sure hope he's healthy.

He had two weeks to rest as the Red Sox went 7-7 without him, using a combination of Mike Carp and Brock Holt at first base.

After hitting .305 in the month of April, Napoli hit .186 without a home run in 59 at-bats in May before landing on the DL to rest his dislocated finger, among other ailments.

Napoli was back in the Red Sox's lineup hitting fifth for the Red Sox's Sunday night game against the Detroit Tigers.

"You’re talking about a guy who was mid-20 home runs and nearly 100 RBIs a year ago," manager John Farrell said, eagerly anticipating Napoli's arrival. "That type of production has been missed and certainly we welcome him/want him back."

Napoli originally tried playing through his injured finger, but it became clear that it was't allowing him to hit with his usual effectiveness. At least a few days off were necessary.

"There were a few things he was dealing with at the time," Farrell said. "The debate was, could it have been less than 15 games? Possibly. At the same time we had to make a room because of other issues with the roster, condition of certain players and the need for pitching. Hopefully this is giving him a chance to clear things up and be free of the nagging injuries he dealt with for the better part of a month or so."

Napoli provides a big right-handed bat to a team that has struggled to hit left-handers of late.

The Red Sox used five lefties in their starting lineup against Tigers left-hander Drew Smyly on Friday night. They scored just twice off Smyly, the lefties going 2-for-10 in a 6-2 loss.

Napoli's presence could also help David Ortiz, who was protected by Grady Sizemore in Saturday's game. Sizemore was 1-for-5 while Ortiz was rarely thrown pitches in the strike zone.

"I think anytime you can lengthen the lineup with another quality hitter is certainly advantageous for us," Farrell said. "We’re certainly looking forward to Mike being in that spot."

To make room on the roster, outfielder Alex Hassan was optioned back to Triple-A Pawtucket.